Morocco Challenges Spain for Formula 1 Grand Prix Hosting Rights

Morocco has mobilized its sports diplomacy to organize the Formula 1 Grand Prix and thus climb into the world elite of motorsport. The kingdom appears as a serious competitor to Spain, which currently hosts the Spanish Grand Prix on the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, relays Business Insider.

Morocco is counting on the growing popularity of this sport in the Middle East and its infrastructure to win this bet. The country of Mohammed VI hosted Formula 1 races on its circuit in Casablanca in the 1950s and wants to reconnect with this experience of organizing major automotive racing events. The city of Tangier is expected to host a circuit that meets international standards.

For the moment, the federation has not yet validated the choice of Morocco to host the competition. But Spain fears being ousted in favor of the kingdom and losing the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, which would be a blow to Spanish motorsport.